The Michigan Wolverines are heading into a new era with a revamped coaching staff, but one familiar face remains a key pillar in the program’s future: running backs coach Tony Alford. As the staff reshuffles around him, Alford continues to be a driving force on the recruiting trail-and he’s already making waves in the 2027 class.
Michigan in the Mix for Top-100 RB Tyson Robinson
One of Alford’s latest targets is four-star running back Tyson Robinson, a top-100 prospect out of Mississippi. Robinson recently released his top 10 schools, and Michigan made the cut alongside heavyweights like Alabama, Texas, and Miami.
But what’s keeping the Wolverines firmly in the mix? Tony Alford.
“Michigan is a school I’m interested in a lot because of coach Alford,” Robinson said. “I know they like to run the ball. I’m looking for a school that’s going to run the ball a lot and put me in a system to do that.”
That’s music to Michigan’s ears. The Wolverines have long prided themselves on a physical, run-first identity, and under Alford’s guidance, they’ve developed a reputation for producing tough, NFL-ready backs.
Robinson’s early impressions of Alford are telling. “Coach Alford is a great coach,” he said.
“He came off the right way the first time he talked to me and my parents. My parents are hard to please, so that was impressive.
We’ve been building a bond.”
It’s not just the personality fit-there’s a football connection too. Robinson sees himself fitting into Alford’s system, especially with the way Michigan utilizes tight ends and leans on a power run game.
“From what I’ve seen, he likes to run the ball and put a tight end out there,” Robinson said. “That’s what I like.
That’s what I’m looking for in a scheme.”
Robinson also pointed to Alford’s track record, noting his work with Ezekiel Elliott and Justice Haynes-backs with similar frames and styles. That kind of résumé resonates with a young prospect looking to follow in those footsteps.
A visit to Ann Arbor is on Robinson’s radar, and while he hasn’t locked in a date yet, the Wolverines are clearly in a strong position. The rest of his top 10 includes Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Arizona State, Vanderbilt, Tennessee, Texas A&M, and the aforementioned national powers. At 5-foot-9.5 and 200 pounds, Robinson is a compact, powerful back who fits the mold of what Michigan has thrived with in recent years.
OL Jackson Roper Emerging as Priority Target
While Alford leads the charge in the backfield, new offensive line coach Jim Harding is wasting no time establishing his presence. One of his early top priorities in the 2027 class is four-star offensive lineman Jackson Roper out of Colorado.
Harding recently visited Roper, and the connection is already taking shape thanks to some preexisting ties. “Although the new staff hasn’t been around long, I’m lucky because we had a relationship going back to their time at Utah,” Roper said.
That familiarity is helping Michigan stay competitive, even as other schools may be further along in the process. Harding made it clear that Roper is a foundational piece in the Wolverines’ 2027 plans. “Coach Harding took time to make sure I knew I am an important part of their 2027 class,” Roper added.
What’s drawing Roper to Harding? Development.
“Coach Harding has an incredible reputation for developing guys,” he said. “As you know, his left tackle at Utah just won the Outland Trophy.
He’s always turned out great players, and I believe I can be the next guy up in a long line of accomplished players.”
That kind of track record speaks volumes to a young lineman looking to take the next step. Roper plans to visit Michigan-likely in early March-and made it clear he won’t make a decision until he’s had the chance to see Ann Arbor for himself.
Wolverines Pursuing Oklahoma Commit Mikhail McCreary
Michigan’s new staff isn’t just targeting uncommitted players-they’re also working to flip some big names, including 2027 four-star cornerback Mikhail McCreary, currently committed to Oklahoma.
McCreary committed to the Sooners back in September, but he’s keeping the door open-and Michigan is pushing through it. New cornerbacks coach Jernaro Gilford recently traveled to Texas to meet with McCreary, and the visit made an impression.
“It was good,” McCreary said. “He’s a great coach.
Him and the staff seem real genuine. With them just getting there two weeks ago and taking time to watch my film and then choosing to come see me, I’m grateful.”
The relationship between McCreary and Gilford isn’t brand new-they’ve crossed paths before-and that familiarity could give Michigan a shot to stay in the race. “Coach Gilford is real genuine,” McCreary added. “Seems like a good coach.”
While McCreary remains committed to Oklahoma, he’s open to conversations-and a potential visit to Michigan is something he’s willing to discuss with his family.
The Bottom Line
Michigan’s coaching overhaul hasn’t slowed down its recruiting momentum. If anything, it’s energizing the pursuit of top-tier talent in the 2027 class. With Tony Alford continuing to be a difference-maker, Jim Harding establishing early credibility, and Jernaro Gilford already working to flip a major commit, the Wolverines are laying the groundwork for another strong recruiting cycle.
There’s still a long way to go before these players make their final decisions, but Michigan is making its presence felt-and doing so with a clear vision for the future.